African Fantasy Comic MALIKA: WARRIOR PRINCESS In Development for Animated Series Created in Nigeria

YouNeek Studios is developing an animated series based on his Malika: Warrior Queen comic book series - and is raising funds for it on Kickstarter. Launched in late July, writer/publisher Roye Okupe has already surpassed his initial $15,000 goal. YouNeek has already commissioned a two-minute teaser reel for Malika: Warrior Queen, hiring a Nigerian animation crew for this African medieval drama. Take a look:

"This is part of a movement to raise awareness for the rapidly growing animation and comic book industries in Africa as well as the insane amount of talented artists that call the continent home," Okupe tells Newsarama. "With this animation and the Kickstarter, we at YouNeek Studios plan to continue the proven narrative that Black Panther started. Superhero films based on African characters do indeed have global appeal."

Loosely based on the real life of 17th century Nigerian queen Amina, Malika: Warrior Queen is a historical fantasy set in West Africa following a queen/military commander who defends her kingdom, Azzaz, against enemies outside her walls - and the betrayals of her closest confidantes.